The implementation order linked to July’s National Charter was approved by voters in Bangladesh, with 48 million people or 68% voting in favor and 22.5 million or 32% voting against in 299 constituencies, The Dhaka Tribune reported.
The development came as voters elected the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to lead the country in Friday’s general election. Voting for Bangladesh’s general election took place on 12 February, the first since ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from the country in 2024.
The referendum was held on 12 February alongside the general election and the results were announced at 2pm local time on Friday. On the ballot, the question put to voters was a simple yes-no, but it covered several issues. The question read: “Do you agree to the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025 and to the following proposals relating to the constitutional reforms recorded in the July National Charter? — Yes or No.”
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What is the July Charter Referendum?
July’s National Charter Implementation Order (Amendment to the Constitution) 2025 is a 28-page political agreement signed by 25 parties and the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The referendum focused on putting the July charter into effect. The document was drafted in the wake of the student-led uprising in 2024 and calls for sweeping institutional changes to promote democracy, accountability and social justice while preventing a return to authoritarian-style governance, Reuters reported.
The implementing regulations for the charter were approved by the provisional government in November, with the fact that public consent is required for fundamental changes. Unlike the 1972 constitution, which is a historical document, the July Charter is a post-uprising reform plan pushed by student leaders and civil society groups and later incorporated into the discourse by the Yunus-led government.
What was voted for in the referendum?
Voters decided on four main issues, including constitutional and political reform, electoral reforms, judicial and institutional independence, and youth representation.
It also included the establishment of new constitutional bodies, along with the introduction of a bicameral parliament, whose upper house would need a majority vote to make changes to the constitution.
Why does it matter?
July’s referendum on the Charter became central to the political narrative in Bangladesh because it was held alongside a general election. It symbolized a break from the Awami League, led by Hasina, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by the late Khaleda Zia.
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Dhaka’s student-led National Civic Party and its allies presented the vote as public support for the July charter reforms.
Previous referendums in Bangladesh
Bangladesh had previously held three referendums, in 1977, 1985 and 1991. While the first two referendums asked voters whether they had confidence in the president and his policies, the third sought approval to switch back to a parliamentary democracy from a presidential system. Voters voted yes in all three cases.
However, in 2011, Sheikh Hasina canceled the referendum mechanism, which was later reinstated in 2024 by a Supreme Court ruling after she fled the country and sought refuge in India.